Tower Bridge in London at night

Tower Bridge over the Thames in the City of London is one of the architectural highlights and arguably one of the most beautiful views of London, while the view from the bridge itself presents an impressive London skyline: from City Hall (by Norman Foster) on the London Riverside and “The Shard” skyscraper (by Renzo Piano) to the Financial District with its characteristic office towers such as “The Gherkin” (Ken Shuttleworth and Norman Foster) or 20 Fenchurch Street (the “Walkie-Talkie Tower” by Rafael Viñoly, often perceived as ugly), which tower far above the venerable Tower of London. Tower Bridge, with its two towers, is a combined suspension and bascule bridge. Brightly painted steel girders are riveted into so-called chains, from which steel rods support the bridge deck.

Tower Bridge fascinates me especially at night, when colourful spotlights illuminate the bridge and mix with the headlights and lights of the perpetual traffic – the busy London ring road A100 runs across the bridge – leaving a lasting impression of the pulsating metropolis alongside the nightly illuminated London. Added to this are the numerous pedestrians who populate the two walkways at all times of the day and night, as well as the many photographers like me who want to take home their own successful photo as a souvenir (or trophy). Despite the great view or even during a full moon, romantic feelings don’t really arise in this place. There are quieter spots along the Thames for that, e.g. the London Riviera, Butler’s Wharf.

More pictures from London in the Great Britain image gallery.